AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Security: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its evacuation of stranded ships after a cargo vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman, with no casualties or environmental impact reported—raising fresh fears for one of the world’s key energy routes. Gulf Diplomacy in Bahrain: GCC and US foreign ministers met in Manama as Marco Rubio reassured Gulf allies that any US-Iran arrangements must protect GCC security and keep navigation free and unrestricted. Tolls and Navigation Rights: Iran’s reported push to charge for “security, safety and environmental services” in Hormuz drew a firm rejection from Rubio, who said no country has the right to charge for using an international waterway. Venezuela Earthquakes: In a separate disaster, twin quakes devastated northern Venezuela, with death tolls rising and rescue teams still searching for survivors in La Guaira. Bahrain Sustainability: Bahrain submitted its third Voluntary National Review to the UN ahead of July’s SDG forum, while the University of Bahrain ranked 7th globally in THE Impact Rankings for SDG 17.

Bahrain Environment Watch: Fresh tests at Buhair Valley confirm it’s safe from harmful pollutants, but officials say the protected wetland remains closed until it’s properly organised as an eco-zone. Regional Water & Energy Security: Oil prices slid back toward pre-war levels as Strait of Hormuz traffic nears normal, but Iran is still warning ships to use Tehran-approved routes and has rejected UN-backed evacuation lanes. Maritime Safety: A cargo ship on a UN-approved route was hit off Oman; the UK’s maritime centre reported damage with no casualties or environmental impact. Diplomacy in Manama: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met GCC officials in Bahrain, stressing Washington will protect Gulf interests in Iran talks and arguing no country has the right to charge for using international waterways. Aviation Risk: EASA extended its conflict-zone airspace warning over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, keeping heightened caution for Bahrain and nearby Gulf states. Disaster Response: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes killed at least 164, with thousands injured and missing as rescue teams race through rubble. Local Sustainability: Bahrain submitted its third sustainability progress report to the UN and highlighted SDG gains in its Voluntary National Review.

Bahrain Sustainability Update: Bahrain submitted its Third Voluntary National Review to the UN ahead of this July’s High-Level Political Forum, highlighting progress across education, healthcare, environmental protection, climate action and innovation as the 2030 SDG deadline nears. Coastal & Water Safety: Muharraq’s coasts are set for a BD12m upgrade with five new public beach and waterfront projects, while the Ministry of Health has started water testing in East Riffa’s Buhair Valley after public concerns about possible contamination. Energy Infrastructure: New 220kV and 66kV electricity transmission substations were inaugurated for Ramli District, backed by BD19m investment to improve reliability and efficiency. Local Conservation & Green Tourism: Bahrain Garden Club awards promoted tree-planting and sustainable landscaping, with major hotel wins for environmental garden efforts. Regional Air-Travel Risk: The EU aviation safety agency urged airlines to avoid Iranian airspace and exercise extra caution over Bahrain and nearby states, citing the still-uncertain security situation around the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy & Environment Link: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Bahrain for the GCC-US meeting as Gulf states push for freedom of navigation through the Strait—an issue that directly affects regional energy flows and marine life. Sustainable Hospitality: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain received an International Sustainability Award for energy- and water-saving systems, waste reduction, and biodiversity-focused landscaping.

Aviation Safety: The EU aviation safety agency (EASA) renewed its warning to avoid flying over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, while urging extra caution over Bahrain and nearby Gulf airspace, citing the risk of ceasefire violations around the Strait of Hormuz. Coastal Development: Bahrain unveiled a BD12 million plan for five new public beach and waterfront projects across Muharraq, aiming to boost sea access with upgraded, more sustainable leisure facilities. Water Safety Checks: Bahrain’s Ministry of Health began sampling water from Buhair Valley in East Riffa after public concern and increased informal visits, with results expected after lab testing. Power Infrastructure: Two new electricity transmission substations (220kV and 66kV) were inaugurated for Al Ramli District in a BD19 million upgrade to improve grid reliability and load distribution. Sustainability Reporting: Bahrain submitted its Third Voluntary National Review to the UN ahead of July’s High-Level Political Forum, highlighting progress across education, health, environmental protection and climate action. Community & Environment: The Bahrain Garden Club honoured winners across sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening categories, reinforcing tree-planting and conservation culture. Youth & SDGs: Skills Bahrain launched “Career World,” a career guidance platform for secondary students using labour-market data to support informed, sustainable choices.

Electricity & Water Infrastructure: Bahrain inaugurated new 220kV and 66kV transmission substations for Ramli District, a BD19 million project aimed at boosting load distribution, efficiency and grid reliability. Marine & Climate Risk: A commentary warns that even after the US-Iran interim peace deal, stranded oil tankers and Gulf congestion still leave an environmental footprint, threatening marine life and water security. Coastal Development: Muharraq is set to get five new public beach and waterfront projects, with investments topping BD12 million to expand sea access and upgrade leisure facilities. Heat Safety for Workers: ICRF Bahrain launched “Thirst Quenchers 2026” to protect outdoor workers during peak summer, distributing water and fresh produce at worksites. Inclusive Sports: Reach Behavior and Development Center and Tekkers Football Academy completed Bahrain’s first Inclusive Football Programme for children with additional support needs. Energy Incident in the Region: Bahrain expressed condolences after an explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facility, reported as a technical incident with injuries but no leak. Digital Skills & AI: KFH-Bahrain trained over 170 employees on AI tools under an “AI Readiness” programme.

Coastal Upgrade for Muharraq: Bahrain’s Municipalities push a BD12m plan for five new public beach and waterfront projects across Muharraq, including Galali and Diyar Al Muharraq, aiming to expand sea access with sustainable tourism and upgraded leisure facilities. Renewables Bid Round: EWA received two bids for Bahrain’s 100MW Bilaj Al Jazayer (BAJ) Solar IPP under a 25-year BOO deal—Yellow Door Energy at BHD 11.398 fils/kWh and ACWA Power at BHD 15.440—supporting Bahrain’s target of 20% renewables by 2035. Power Grid Reliability: Two new 220kV and 66kV substations were inaugurated for Al Ramli District in a BD19m project to improve load distribution, efficiency and network reliability. Heat Safety for Outdoor Workers: ICRF Bahrain launched “Thirst Quenchers 2026” to protect outdoor workers during peak summer, distributing water and fresh produce at worksites nationwide. Inclusive Sports: Reach Behavior and Development Center and Tekkers Football Academy completed Bahrain’s first Inclusive Football Programme, helping children with additional support needs build skills, confidence and teamwork. Climate Perception Insight: A new survey graphic shows many people underestimate how much others view climate change as a serious threat, highlighting a gap that can shape climate action.

Coastal Upgrade for Muharraq: Bahrain’s Municipalities push is set to reshape the north coast with BD12 million for five new public beach and waterfront projects across Muharraq, aiming to boost sea access, leisure facilities and more sustainable tourism. Renewables Drive: EWA has received two bids for the 100 MW BAJ Solar project under a 25-year BOO setup, with Yellow Door Energy submitting the lower tariff bid, reinforcing Bahrain’s push toward higher renewable power. Sustainable Youth Projects: INJAZ Bahrain wrapped up its Young Entrepreneurs Competition, with students pitching solutions tied to sustainability, environmental protection and community impact. Food Truck Regulation: A six-month grace period (June 21–Dec 21, 2026) starts for food truck operators to regularise licences and meet safety, health and urban planning requirements. Climate Pressure Abroad: Europe faces an intense heat wave with warnings as temperatures near record highs, underscoring rising climate risks. Energy Safety in the Region: Bahrain sent condolences to Qatar after a deadly explosion at a gas processing facility in Ras Laffan, with LNG operations reported unaffected.

Renewables in focus: Bahrain’s EWA has received two bids for the 100 MW BAJ Solar IPP under a 25-year BOO deal, with Yellow Door Energy submitting the lowest bid (BHD 11.398) and ACWA Power bidding BHD 15.440—another step toward Bahrain’s push for more renewables and lower carbon emissions. Clean energy + learning: Bahrain’s Young Entrepreneurs Competition wrapped up under INJAZ Bahrain, with students pitching sustainability-led ideas and awards for environmentally focused projects. Health care transition: A specialised sickle cell disease clinic for ages 14–20 has opened at Salmaniya Medical Complex to ease the shift from paediatric to adult care for patients and families. Urban safety rules: Food truck operators in Bahrain get a six-month grace period (June 21–Dec 21, 2026) to regularise licensing and meet safety and urban planning requirements. Education upgrade: Bahrain becomes the first in the region to introduce the International Baccalaureate in government schools, selecting 400 Grade Eight students for the Middle Years Programme starting September 2026. Climate reality check: Europe braces for extreme heat as temperatures near record highs, with public health warnings and precautions in multiple countries. Regional industry coordination: Bahrain hosted GCC industry undersecretaries to strengthen industrial integration and supply-chain resilience across the Gulf.

Entrepreneurship & Sustainability: INJAZ Bahrain wrapped up its 18th Young Entrepreneurs Competition at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, with 1,100+ students competing and 140+ teams advancing to national finals, spotlighting ideas across innovation, sustainability, financial performance, technology and leadership. Cultural Heritage: Bahrain’s Minister of Culture met the chair of the Shaikh Ebrahim Center to discuss preserving cultural heritage, protecting historic buildings, and repurposing heritage sites for sustainable cultural development. Climate & Heat Risk: Europe braces for extreme heat as temperatures near record highs, with public safety steps in France, Germany, Italy and Spain—another reminder of climate-driven heat impacts. Regional Industry & Supply Chains: Bahrain hosted GCC industry undersecretaries to boost industrial integration and resilience, including work on localisation criteria and goods subject to collective protection. Urban Governance: Bahrain granted food truck operators a six-month grace period (June 21–Dec 21, 2026) to regularise licensing and meet health, safety and municipal standards. Infrastructure & Environment: Bahrain and the IsDB signed about $510m in financing for the King Faisal Highway upgrade and the Salman Industrial City expansion, including stormwater drainage and coastal land reclamation. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A guide highlights Bahrain’s Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve in Zallaq, focusing on desert wildlife conservation and its role as a living classroom for biodiversity. Cleanliness & Waste: Manama launched a major Ashoora cleanliness drive with 300 workers, bins and recycling-focused containers to manage seasonal waste and promote environmental responsibility.

Heat & Health: Europe is bracing for a severe heat wave, with France forecast near 40–41°C and Germany issuing near-nationwide alerts as humidity raises storm risks—scientists link harsher heat waves to climate change. Urban Living Standards: Dubai plans new “civility” rules for public behaviour and celebrations, aiming to protect shared spaces and improve the visitor experience. GCC Industry Resilience: Bahrain hosted the 9th Extraordinary GCC Industry Undersecretaries meeting, focusing on stronger industrial integration and more resilient supply chains. Food Safety & City Order: Bahrain gives food truck operators a six-month grace period (June 21–Dec 21, 2026) to regularise licences and meet health, safety and municipal standards. Clean Streets for Ashoora: Manama launches a major Ashoora cleanliness operation with 300 sanitation workers, recycling-focused containers for plastics, and an operations centre to keep waste under control. Bahrain’s Green Finance & SDGs: Bahrain’s 2026 Voluntary National Review highlights progress toward sustainable development, including major workforce and skills support. Biodiversity Spotlight: Bahrain’s Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve in Zallaq promotes desert wildlife conservation and public learning about fragile ecosystems. Trade Route Relief: With Hormuz reopening, freight and insurance pressures are expected to ease, helping Bahrain’s logistics costs gradually recover. Industrial Growth Funding: Bahrain and the IsDB sign about $510m for the King Faisal Highway and Salman Industrial City expansion, including coastal land reclamation and upgraded transport links.

Air Quality Watch: Dhaka’s air quality was ranked 13th globally with an AQI of 92 (“moderate”), while Bahrain’s Manama recorded an AQI of 157 (“unhealthy”), a reminder that pollution levels can swing quickly across the region. Sustainability & Climate Networking: Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) held a Bahrain Financial Harbour reception for 80+ leaders, spotlighting sustainable finance and climate action, with BBK sharing updates from its 2025 sustainability report. Bahrain- IsDB Infrastructure Push: Bahrain signed about $510m in IsDB deals for the King Faisal Highway upgrade (about $180m) and the Salman Industrial City expansion (about $330m), including coastal land reclamation and new industrial plots. Strait of Hormuz Relief: With the Strait reopening, freight and insurance costs are expected to ease after weeks of disruption, though full normalization may take months. Waste & Cleanliness for Ashoora: Manama launched an Ashoora cleanliness drive with 300 sanitation workers, bins and recycling-focused containers to handle expected waste surges. Wildlife Conservation: Zallaq’s Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve highlights Bahrain’s desert biodiversity and conservation mission for species like the Arabian oryx and sand gazelle. Tech & Innovation: Bahrain’s startup ecosystem value jumped 759% to $1.6bn, landing the kingdom among top MENA performers in a 2026 global report.

Strait of Hormuz Reopens: Bahrain economists say the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz should ease pressure on trade, with freight and insurance costs expected to fall after weeks of disruption, though a full return to normal shipping could take months. IsDB Infrastructure Push: Bahrain signed about $510m in Islamic Development Bank financing for the King Faisal Highway upgrade (including tunnels, a bridge and stormwater drainage improvements) and the Salman Industrial City expansion, reclaiming coastal land and expanding serviced industrial plots. Ashoora Cleanliness Drive: Manama launched an Ashoora sanitation operation with 300 workers, inspectors, bins and trucks, plus dedicated plastic recycling containers and public awareness on environmental responsibility. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A guide to the Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve in Zallaq highlights Bahrain’s desert biodiversity and its role as a family-friendly conservation and education site. Sustainable Materials in Focus: Emirates Biotech will showcase plant-based Embio PLA biopolymers at Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2026, pitching the move toward more circular, responsible packaging and consumer products. Local Markets Plan: Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry is setting up an “Old Markets Committee” to support traditional souqs and boost their competitiveness and tourism value.

Gulf Security Update: Russia lifted its travel advisory for GCC states, including Bahrain, after the US-Iran interim peace MoU, while US officials still urge Americans to stay vigilant as negotiations continue and risks could shift fast. Shipping & Environment: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening timeline set for 30 days, maritime experts warn costs may rise and crews may still treat the route as dangerous—an issue that can affect fuel use, emissions, and pollution risk from delays and rerouting. Local Cleanliness & Waste: Manama launched a major Ashoora cleanliness drive with 300 sanitation workers, recycling-focused containers for plastics, and a central operations centre to manage a surge in waste. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Bahrain’s Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve in Zallaq highlights desert conservation work for species like Arabian oryx and sand gazelles, reinforcing local biodiversity protection. Sustainable Materials: Emirates Biotech will showcase plant-based Embio PLA biopolymers at Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2026, pushing lower-impact, circular packaging and consumer applications. Food Security: BDB and KFH-Bahrain back Bahrain’s Farmers Market in Hoorat A’ali to support local, fresh produce and strengthen food security.

Ashoora Cleanliness Push: Manama ramps up for Ashoora with 300 sanitation workers, 12 inspectors, 300 waste containers and 10 plastic-recycling containers, overseen by a new main operations centre to keep streets and ma’atams clean during the surge in visitors. Waste & Recycling Oversight: Southern Bahrain’s scrapyard relocation is in its final phase, with operators moved to a new Hafeera industrial site and given until July 31—authorities say the transfer is tightly supervised to manage scrap mixed with oils, lubricants and other hazardous materials. Sustainable Materials in Focus: Emirates Biotech will showcase its Embio PLA plant-based biopolymers at Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2026, positioning PLA as a more circular option for packaging, food-service wares and consumer goods. Local Food Security Support: BDB and KFH-Bahrain back Bahrain’s Farmers Market in Hoorat A’ali, aiming to strengthen local produce sales and boost food security through long-term market initiatives. Energy Route Watch: As the Strait of Hormuz prepares to reopen, maritime experts warn shipping costs may rise and crews may demand higher pay after months of disruption. Space for Research: Bahrain Space Agency links Axiom Space with local universities to expand space research, training and new academic programmes.

Sustainable Development & Climate: Bahrain and UNDP announced enhanced environmental cooperation focused on climate and sustainable development, signalling a push to strengthen local action and partnerships. Environment & Public Safety: Southern Bahrain’s scrapyard relocation is in its final phase, with operators in Al Mazra’a and Askar given until July 31 to move to Hafeera (Block 959) under tight supervision to manage scrap, oils and hazardous materials safely in extreme summer conditions. Water, Energy & Regional Risk: With the US-Iran memorandum of understanding aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, shipping disruptions and insurance concerns remain a live issue for the region’s oil flow and environmental spillover risks. Local Governance & Community Impact: Municipalities Minister launched the Ashoora Main Municipal Services Operations Centre in Manama, stepping up sanitation and waste management along procession routes to keep public spaces clean and services ready. Business & Food Security: BDB and KFH-Bahrain backed the Farmers Market in Hoorat A’ali to support Bahraini producers and strengthen food security through fresh, locally grown produce. Startup & Innovation: Bahrain’s startup ecosystem hit $1.6bn in value (+759%) and placed Top 5 in MENA performance in the GSER 2026, highlighting growing innovation capacity that can support greener solutions.

Environmental Cooperation: Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs met UNDP’s resident representative to discuss deeper environmental protection and sustainable development cooperation, with both sides pointing to Bahrain’s climate action and conservation work. Ashoora Cleanliness & Waste: The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister launched the Main Municipal Services Operations Centre for Ashoora in Manama, pledging intensified sanitation and waste management along procession routes and maatams. Strait of Hormuz Dispute: A new US-Iran memorandum raises fresh questions over “toll-free” transit and safe passage terms for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where insurance and navigation disruptions have already hit regional trade. Scrapyard Relocation: Authorities are in the final phase of relocating nearly 100 scrapyards from southern Bahrain to a new industrial site in Hafeera, with a July 31 deadline and strict oversight to manage oils, lubricants and hazardous materials. Digital Cleanup: A 10-day World Environment Day “Digital Cleanup Drive” across Bahrain, UAE, Oman and Kuwait removed 15.6 terabytes of unnecessary data, with organisers estimating carbon savings. Heat-Protection Rules: Bahrain’s midday work ban is enforced outdoors in direct sunlight from June 15 to Aug 31, daily from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., with penalties for violations.